WA Day Derby Captains' CallWednesday, May 28, 2025 - 10:57 AM

The biggest day of the home and away season in the Sullivan Logistics WAFL competition has added spice with East Fremantle playing South Fremantle in a top of the table showdown.

Both clubs have collected six wins from seven matches and head into the Derby in impressive form.

The Sharks defeated East Perth in Round 7 by 20 points while the Bulldogs belted Subiaco to confirm their credentials as premiership contenders.

South Fremantle captain Chad Pearson and East Fremantle skipper Kyle Baskerville have had Monday’s game earmarked for months.

“It’s incredibly special to be part of a WA Day Derby,” Pearson said.

“It’s one of the biggest occasions on the WAFL calendar, and it’s something we never take for granted.

“Being part of such a historic rivalry and reflecting on those who’ve played before us really adds meaning to the week.

“Hearing stories from past players and understanding what the game meant to them heightens the excitement even more and it’s a game I look forward to every year.”

Baskerville understands the long standing rivalry and the importance of the match for supporters.

“It definitely feels like the biggest fixture in the home and away season for us,” Baskerville said.

“In the weeks leading up to the game, there is so much excitement and anticipation for both clubs, accompanied by lots of banter between the supporters of the two sides.

“On game day the huge crowd always provides an awesome atmosphere and all the boys have a lot of fun out on the field.

“The WA Day Derby really delivers on what footy is all about and it’s s a huge honour to play in this game.”

The Bulldogs enjoyed a remarkable 15 game winning streak against the Sharks, a run which began in Round 19, 2016 and only ended in Round 8, 2023.

But heading into this Round 8 encounter, both sides are at the top of their game.

“When both teams are in the mix, it brings even more attention, not just from our fans, but from footy followers across the WAFL,” Pearson said.

“That said, ladder positions often go out the window in a Derby.

Some are saying Monday’s match could be an early Grand Final preview and Baskerville is excited about testing his side against a fellow contender.

“This is the first time since I have been playing that both Fremantle sides are coming into the WA Day Derby with one loss each to date, and only percentage separating our positions at the top of the ladder,” Baskerville said.

“I am predicting a hotly contested match, with neither side wanting to lose their position on top of the ladder.

“It definitely will add to the occasion.”

Baskerville, in his first year as captain, remembers the rivalry growing up and can’t wait to be part of Derby number 392.

“My earliest memories of the Derbies would be getting down to the games as a young teenager with school mates and watching on,” Baskerville said.

“It added to the occasion that my high school  had an even divide of East and South supporters.

“It was always a better start to the week when East Fremantle won and we had bragging rights.”

West Perth has the chance to square the ledger with East Perth in Monday’s other Derby.

The Royals have won 176 match ups with their adversaries, one more than the Falcons.

This season, East Perth has been one of the better performed sides, led by co-captain Christian Ameduri, who earlier this month skippered the Kia WA State side to victory against South Australia.

“It would definitely be the biggest game for us during the regular season and it’s my favourite game to play in,” Ameduri said.

“The big crowd that it draws and the intensity that both teams bring makes the game so special, not to mention West Perth are our rivals and victory tastes that little bit sweeter against them.”

Ameduri has fond memories of the Perth Derby.

“I remember coming to watch the Perth Derby as a kid and it always seemed to be close matches,” he said.

“The atmosphere was always electric at the ground and fans always turned up for it.

“The games I’ve played in, it doesn’t matter where each team is on the ladder, anyone can beat anyone and that’s what makes it so great.”

Falcons captain Luke Meadows has similar sentiments.

“It’s very special and we understand the longevity of this rivalry and feel pride to represent West Perth on a big day like WA Day,” Meadows said.

“Of course we always want to beat East Perth regardless of who wears the black and blue,” he said.

“Even when my great mate Aidan Lynch played for them I didn’t speak to him for a month leading up to the match!”

While the Royals sit one game off top spot on the ladder, the Falcons are in sixth position and in danger of losing touch with the top half of the competition, making Monday even more critical.